Power Electronics Engineer

Are you passionate about electromagnetism, high-voltage engineering, or power electronics? Do you thrive on pushing the limits, switching kiloamperes and kilovolts in nanoseconds? Does the prospect of working on the world's largest machine excite you? If so, it's time to explore the world of pulsed power at CERN!

You will join the Accelerator Systems Department, which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

You will be working within the Accelerator Beam Transfer (ABT) Group, Pulsed Power Engineering (PPE) Section on challenging projects to support the conceptual design of fast-pulsed magnet systems for future accelerators like the ~100km circumference Future Circular Collider (FCC). After an initial period of intense knowledge transfer with senior CERN staff you will also drive the R&D for new solid state pulse generators and subsequently make these new topologies ready for operation in future pulsed power systems.

Functions

You will:
- Take responsibility for the study, design, development, testing, commissioning and exploitation of fast pulsed systems for CERN's test facilities and future accelerators, always applying the relevant safety principles;
- Take over the responsibility for coordination and follow up of R&D projects and for performance follow-up of related fast pulsed systems;
- Carry out analogue circuit simulations as well as numerical field calculations to produce engineering specifications for existing prototype upgrades and future pulsed power systems;
- Contribute to the phase out of thyratrons and integration of semiconductor HV switches as well as to the design of complete kicker systems for future accelerators;
- Assess and evaluate beam impedance related challenges; develop mitigation solutions where necessary;
- Write specifications, test documentation and scientific publications. Contribute to the quality processes for future pulsed power systems.
- Supervise students and graduates.
Qualifications
Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of electrical engineering, pulsed power, power electronics or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience with:
- Analogue circuit simulations and design of power electronics and resonant circuits;
- Prototyping of electrical circuits and in carrying out complex electrical and electronics measurements;
- Finite element computation for electric or electromagnetic fields.
Desired experience with:
- Vector Network Analysers;
- EMC/EMI related analysis of distributed systems.

Technical competencies:
- Knowledge and application of computational methods and tools in electromagnetism: and analogue circuit design.
- Knowledge and analysis of high-voltage electrical breakdown
- Design and construction of pulse-forming networks and high-voltage switches
- Operation and maintenance of high-voltage, under-vacuum accelerator devices

Behavioural competencies:
- Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
- Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind; driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
- Demonstrating accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises; taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.
- Communicating effectively: delivering presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusting style and content to the audience; responding calmly and confidently to questions; expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
- Working in teams: understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.

Language skills:
Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.
This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 10.01.2025 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week
This position involves:
- Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
- Work in Radiation Areas.
- Interventions in underground installations.
- A valid driving licence.
- Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SY-ABT-PPE-2024-193-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Engineer